About 500 delegates attended the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians opened today [September 15] at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The opening ceremony of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on September 15. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

The delegates, including 300 from abroad, gathered at the event, which will run between September 14 and 17.

On September 14, a seminar on enhancing digital literacy among youth was held, which identified the need to raise awareness and improve the skills of Vietnamese youth by enhancing their digital knowledge and skills.

In his remarks, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong sent his greetings to the delegates and welcomed them to Hanoi for the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

He said that young people have advantages to make the most of the opportunities brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

"They are the key to opening new doors to the new era and the future of the world, who will address global issues," the President added.

He said technologies will foster international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations and better involve young people in tackling the world's key issues.

He hoped that the Vietnamese National Assembly would strengthen cooperation with international friends and partners to implement all decisions and ideas at the conference and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), thus boosting global sustainable development.

In his remarks, Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly, said it is an honor for Vietnam to host the event.

"The event confirms Vietnam's proactive and responsible status to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and shows our attention to youth and global issues," he said.

According to him, pandemics, geopolitical tensions, wars and other adversities have undermined achievements in poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Emphasizing that young parliamentarians will be crucial in the world of the future, he expected delegates and participants to discuss ways to uphold international laws, promote the role and leadership of young people and entrepreneurs in solving global issues, put people and businesses at the center of socio-economic growth, and promote and diversify cultural values in sustainable development.

IPU President Duarte Pacheco spoke highly of Vietnam's commitment to empowering young generations.

He said the world needs similar types of conferences to unite young parliamentarians, strengthen their capacity, and discuss potential development strategies for the future.